Cherokee Bear Zoo welcomes you to the Great Smoky Mountains, home and natural habitat for the Black Bear. Although it is rare to see them in the wild, we offer a first hand observation of these beautiful creatures. Feed them and watch them do tricks for you. Also you will observe many other wild animals, that are native our area, such as Raccoons, Ground Hogs, and maybe even a Deer or two. Your visit will even include many different exotic animals like Tigers and Monkeys. Along with our native Black Bears, we also have Grizzlies, and during certain times of the year, baby wild animals to entertain you.

Get ready for wonder and discovery as you enter the amazing North Carolina Zoological Park located in the magnificent rolling hills of the Uwharrie Mountains.

The WNC Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals native to the Appalachian region whose purpose is to increase public awareness and understanding of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina through hands-on and sensory experiences.